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Late Kovacevic Tally Sends London To Semis Of L1 Cup

06/23/2016, 6:00pm EDT

By League1 Ontario staff

Aurora United got off to a great start against FC London in a cracking second round L1 Cup fixture, but FC London's depth and quality got them the result when Tanna Portenay (82') and Jade Kovacevic (90') got late goals.

With a big league match on Friday night away to Durham United FA, FC London initially rested some players - including league leading goalscorer Jade Kovacevic.

Aurora top scorer Meghan Reynolds (49') found an opening just after the break to put the hosts under pressure, and was the least the away side deserved after controlling much of the early going.

"Tonight was a night when we did very well against one of the best teams in this league," said Aurora head coach, Ramin Mohammadi. "Sometimes you come short because of one variable or another, but I am very happy with the job they've done."

"I think we had the better of the ninety minutes, but there is individual mistakes in football. If in the moment you have the chance to score you don't hit it, somebody will close the chance. But I am happy, the girls did a fantastic job."

FC London head coach, Mike Marcoccia, made some key changes the momentum began to swing to London's favour.

"I'm really happy with everyone that started and everyone that came off the bench," said Marcoccia. "We have a good squad with a lot of good players. These players train hard every day and they deserve a chance to start and get into a game like that. It didn't matter who we had on the field, it was good."

Montana Portenier caused Aurora difficulties with her pace and trickery, while Kovacevic's introduction from the bench was a gamechanger.

"Montana had a very good offensive game tonight," said Marcoccia. "She was taking players on tonight and using her speed and ability. Montana is a super dynamic player and she is becoming a very smart player too. I think she used both to the fullest tonight, and I was very impressed."

"Having Jade come off the bench changed the way we attack and brought some great energy and obviously the goal that sealed the deal."

FC London will now move on to the semi-final round of the women's L1 Cup to play the winner of the July 1 match-up between Vaughan Azzurri and Sanjaxx Lions.